Award to be presented later this week during the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

Brad Wolf’s Private Practice won the 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Tori Colvin in the irons. Credit: Tricia Booker/USHJA

Nearly a year ago today, Private Practice made his debut in the
Hunter ring, beginning a year of tremendous success with Victoria Colvin in the
irons. As the 2019 World Championship Hunter Rider Week at the Winter
Equestrian Festival (Week 6) kicks off, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is
pleased to announce Private Practice as the 2018 WCHR Hunter of the Year, which
will be presented to owner Brad Wolf during the 2019 $100,000 WCHR Peter
Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

Trained by Tom Wright and ridden to numerous championships
throughout 2018 by Colvin, Private Practice has quickly earned his place among
the top Hunters. He earned Champion or Reserve Champion at numerous
competitions in 2018, including the USHJA International Hunter Derby
Championship and champion in the Green 3’9″ Hunter section at the Devon
and Pennsylvania National horse shows.

Wright, who has trained many top Hunters and was himself awarded
the 2018 WCHR Lifetime Achievement Award during last year’s Capital Challenge
Horse Show, attributes Private Practice’s success to natural ability, a
willingness to learn and an incredible team.

“[Private Practice] has extraordinary jumping style,
movement and beauty. That being said, he has an uncanny instinct to learn and
retain his training. He’s incredibly keen to follow his rider’s instructions
and then rarely make an error,” said Wright. “[He] also possesses an
unusual combination of bravery (I can think of only one jump that he spooked at
all year) and carefulness. All these characteristics make for a very special
horse.

“He has a wonderful owner in Dr. Brad Wolf, who has enjoyed the business for decades and follows and believes in our training program,” continued Wright. “This would all be impossible without Tori Colvin as rider, Torrey Hardison overseeing and managing his care, veterinarian Dave Kron, blacksmith Paul Turner, and caretaker Aurelio Elizondo.”

The 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding (by Lordano) will be
recognized as the 2018 WCHR Hunter of the Year during the prestigious $100,000
WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular on Saturday night. At the
beginning of the class, owner Brad Wolf will be presented with the 2018 Peter
Wetherill Cup, which is given each year to a current equine athlete that
exemplifies the qualities of a top-class show hunter. The winner of this award
is based on WCHR member nominations and selected by the WCHR Peter Wetherill
Cup Selection Committee.

“We as a collective group couldn’t be more proud of our
horse, or be more thrilled by the acknowledgement from the WCHR,” said
Wright. “Peter Wetherill was a dear friend, and I’m just honored to have
Brad and Private Practice recognized with this trophy named in his honor. Peter
exemplified what it means to be a true horseman and a class act. This award is
just so special.”

Currently showing at the Winter Equestrian Festival, owner Brad
Wolf is now winning on him in the Amateur Owner 3’3″ section, yet again
underscoring his place as the WCHR Hunter of the Year.